Sports with Art Thiel

In a season where fans are used to the opposite trend, the Mariners have now won seven games in a row. That hasn't happened in awhile. The Mariners actually have the second best record in the American League since the All-Star break.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel is pleased with the progress. He says the Mariners' young hitters are becoming as consistent as the pitchers.

Find out more of what Art has to say tomorrow morning at 5:35 and 7:35 on 88.5 KPLU. Check back here for a blog of our conversation.

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch's latest brush with the law could keep him from playing in some games next season. He plans to plead not guilty to a DUI charge that resulted from an arrest in his hometown of Oakland, Calif., over the weekend.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says a new NFL crackdown on misbehavior could lead to a suspension - even before the matter is resolved in court.

Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch has now officially been charged with driving under the influence, following his arrest over the weekend in his hometown of Oakland, Calif. His lawyer says he will plead not guilty at his arraignment next month.

This is not Lynch's first run in with the law. And he's one of several NFL players arrested this offseason.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel shares his thoughts on the issue tomorrow morning at 5:35 and 7:35 on 88.5 KPLU. Check back here for a blog of our conversation.

If the backers of a plan to build a new sports arena in Seattle's SoDo area are successful, they'll be looking to attract both a professional hockey club and a professional basketball team as marquis tenants.

Seattle and King County lawmakers are poring over the proposal's details. In the coming weeks they'll cast votes on the arena plan, its call for up to $200 million in public bonds (to be paired with $300 million in private funds), a plan championed by investor Chris Hansen.

The Mariners are heading into next week's All-Star break as the worst team in the American League. And they're farther behind first place than any other team in baseball.

One bright spot: Mariners star pitcher Felix Hernandez is pitching in the All-Star game on July 10 in Kansas City. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says there's not much else for fans to look forward to this season.

The revelation of big local backers. A huge fan rally. A high-profile meeting with the commissioner of the NBA. It all happened this week as supporters of the Seattle arena proposal get ready for key city and county committee hearings next week.

A planned rally for Sonics fans at 4 p.m. today in Occidental Park is perhaps taking on even more significance, with word this week that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and two members of the Nordstrom family are among the investors behind the plan to bring the Sonics back to Seattle with a proposed new arena.

Brian Banks is not a bitter man. He has a right to be - after serving five years in prison and five on probation for a rape he didn't commit. But he says he wants to focus on his future.

Banks was cleared of the charges just two weeks ago, after his accuser recanted her story. Now, the Seahawks are giving the former high school football standout a shot at his dream. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel was at Seahawks headquarters Thursday, where Banks tried out for the team.

The Mariners 21-8 victory over the Rangers this week is something to be celebrated. But KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says it's also an example of the extremes the team has experienced this season.

The Mariners routed the Texas Rangers last night 21-8. Justin Smoak hit two three-run homers against his former team and the Mariners had two eight-run innings. Jesus Montero homered among his three hits and drove in four runs. And Kyle Seager had four hits and two RBIs.

It was their second win in a row against the AL West-leading Rangers. And you can certainly say the Mariners have been "streaky" lately.